The Perfect Honeymoon Destination: Andaman & Nicobar Islands!
It was our honeymoon trip to the hidden gems of India, the Emerald Islands of Andaman & Nicobar. 🙂
Deciding the destination for your honeymoon is quite a task! My husband and I were really confused as to where we should be going, so we sat down and listed our exact requirements from the destination.
After giving it a thought, we realized that we wanted a destination that would allow us to enjoy a romantic stay at scenic beaches. We also wanted some peace and thus wanted to avoid places with a lot of crowds. In addition to that, we were looking for a chance to indulge in some adventures.
After much consideration, we thought Andaman & Nicobar Islands would be the ideal honeymoon destination for us. Due to its international standards of tourism within the domestic boundaries of India, the appeal for the destination was very high.
Trivia:
They are an archipelago of 572 islands and one of the seven Union Territories of India.
Best time to visit:
We visited them in the first week of May. They are around the year tourist destination, but the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is considered from October to May. During this time, all the water sports are open to visitors and it is an excellent time to visit the islands. The temperatures are also not very extreme and range between 23 ° C and 30 ° C.
Monsoon season is from June until September. They are recommended to be avoided because of the high tidal waves, rains and strong winds. Also, in case of heavy rainfall and unpredictable seas, water sports may not be an option.
How to Reach:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are well-connected to the Indian mainland by air and sea.
By Air: There are regular flights to the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, from major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore.
By Sea: Passenger ships operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) also connect the Indian mainland to Port Blair. The ships take about 50-60 hours to reach Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam. The ships usually operate on a weekly basis.
Local Transport: Once you arrive at Port Blair, there are various options to travel within the islands. The most popular mode of transport is by taxi, which can be rented for the day or for a specific tour. Alternatively, you can also rent a two-wheeler or a car to explore the islands on your own.
Passport & Visa Requirements:
Foreign travelers visiting the Andaman & Nicobar Islands should have a valid passport & visa. Indian nationals do not need a visa but they need to carry a valid ID proof.
It is important to note that Andaman and Nicobar Islands are considered a restricted area and certain areas require special permits for entry. These permits can be obtained from the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Port Blair, and are usually valid for a limited time period.
Accommodation:
Port Blair – Fortune Resort Bay Island (Overlooking the pristine blue waters of Bay of Bengal)
Havelock Island – Munjoh Ocean Resort (Separate Villas with a private beach, isn’t that amazing?)
Places to Eat:
- New Lighthouse Restaurant: Located in Port Blair, this restaurant is known for its seafood and Indian cuisine.
- Annapurna Cafeteria: Also located in Port Blair, this vegetarian restaurant serves delicious South Indian and North Indian dishes.
- Icy Spicy: This restaurant is located in Havelock Island and serves a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
- Full Moon Cafe: Another popular eatery in Havelock Island, this restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza and pasta.
- Fat Martin Cafe: Located in Neil Island, this cafe is known for its delicious breakfast options, including pancakes and omelets.
- Amaya: Located in Port Blair, this rooftop restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including seafood and Indian cuisine, and offers a beautiful view of the city.
- The Love Garden: Situated in Neil Island, this restaurant offers an intimate and romantic dining experience and serves Indian and Chinese dishes.
- Bay View Restaurant: This restaurant, located in Havelock Island, offers a stunning view of the ocean and serves Indian and Chinese dishes.
- Barefoot at Havelock: Known for its unique dining experience, this restaurant is located in Havelock Island and serves a variety of cuisines, including seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Places to Shop:
- Sagarika Government Emporium: It is a one-stop-shop for handicrafts, artefacts, souvenirs, and other decorative items. The emporium offers a wide range of products made from wood, seashells, and cane.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: It is a popular shopping destination in Port Blair, where you can find a variety of products such as clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, and souvenirs. There are also some local street vendors selling handmade jewellery and trinkets.
- Samudrika: It is a museum-cum-shopping complex run by the Indian Navy, where you can find handicrafts, souvenirs, and books related to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- MG Road: It is the main shopping area in Havelock Island, where you can find various shops selling beachwear, souvenirs, and jewellery.
Day Wise Itinerary for 7 Days and 6 Nights:
Day 1:
- Arrival at Port Blair: The capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is the gateway to the archipelago.
- Visit the Cellular Jail during the day: Also known as Kala Pani, the Cellular Jail is a historical monument that was used by the British to exile political prisoners. It is a must-visit place to understand the struggle for India’s independence and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
- Attend the Light & Sound Show in the evening: The light and sound show at the Cellular Jail is a unique experience that narrates the story of the jail’s history and the freedom struggle. The show uses special effects and voiceovers to create a captivating experience.
Day 2:
- Island hopping to Ross, Viper, and Red Skin Islands:
- Ross Island – Once the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman Islands, Ross Island is now a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, historical ruins, and wildlife.
- Viper Island: This small island is known for the ruins of the infamous Viper Jail, where convicts were held in solitary confinement.
- Red Skin Island: This tiny island is known for its coral reefs and marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Visit the Anthropological Museum: The museum showcases the history, culture, and lifestyle of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Explore the Forest Museum and Chatham Saw Mill: The Forest Museum and Chatham Saw Mill are two popular attractions located in close proximity to each other. The Forest Museum showcases the flora and fauna of the islands, while the Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest and largest sawmills in Asia.
Day 3:
- Visit the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: The museum is run by the Indian Navy and showcases the marine life, geography, and history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Travel to Baratang Island to explore the Lime Stone Caves and Mud Volcano: Baratang Island is known for its unique geological features, including limestone caves and mud volcanoes. The journey to the island is an adventure in itself, as visitors need to cross creeks and dense forests.
Day 4:
- Visit North Bay Beach for water sports activities and glass bottom boat ride: The beach is known for its water sports activities, including banana boat rides, jet ski rides, and glass bottom boat rides. It is also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Explore the Fisheries Museum: The museum showcases the marine life and fishing culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Visit Vijay Nagar Beach: This serene beach is known for its calm waters and white sand, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and sunbathing.
Day 5:
- Visit Radhanagar Beach, one of the best beaches in Asia: A stunning beach with turquoise waters, white sand, and lush green forests.
- Take a glass bottom boat ride between Port Blair and Jolly Buoy Island: The boat ride offers a unique opportunity to witness the coral reefs and marine life without getting wet.
Day 6:
- Enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving at Elephant Beach on Havelock Island: A popular spot for water sports and underwater exploration.
- Witness Bioluminescence during a night kayaking tour organized by Tanaz Noble: Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon caused by microorganisms that emit light. The night kayaking tour organized by Tanaz Noble offers a unique opportunity to witness this magical display of light.
Day 7:
- Take a luxury cruise on MV Makruzz from Havelock Island to Port Blair: A luxurious way to travel back to Port Blair.
- Go parasailing at Havelock Island: Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure with a bird’s eye view of the island.
- Visit Chidiya Tapu to catch a stunning sunset: A popular spot to watch the sun go down over the Andaman Sea.
Overall, this itinerary covered some of the best places that we visited in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, showcasing the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural diversity of the region. Each destination offered a unique experience, and together they provided an unforgettable journey and loads of precious memories for us to carry back home. 🙂
Please Note:
The tribal people of the Andaman Islands – Jarawa, Great Andamanese, Onge, and Sentinelese can be seen on the way to the Baratang Island. However, talking to them or clicking their pictures is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
Great post.!! In this blog you have given information about places to visit where,when and how to go.It has been easier to explore it by your given information.Keep sharing this type of blogs.
You just made my year! Great ideas and lots of things to put on my list! Thanks for sharing the love and congratulations!
Wow! Thanks for all the encouragement and support! Lots of love and best wishes to you too. 🙂
Your photos are amazing! Sounds like you made the right decision about your honeymoon after all 🙂
Thanks alot! Yes, even we feel so about our honeymoon..😉 It’s a beautiful place..❤